Dry-pipe-valve mechanism.



W. N. BALLARD. DRY PIPE VALVE MECHANISM. APPLICATION FILED 0cT.25. I915.

Patented Apr. 25, 1916.

Witness WILLIAM N. BALLAIRD, OF KANSAS CITY, KANSAS.

DRY-PIPE-VALVE MECHANISM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed October 25, 1915. Serial No. 57,877.

To all whom, it ma 1 concern:

Be it known that I, lVrLLrAM N. BALLARD, a citizen of the United States, residing at Kansas City, in the county of 'Wyandotte and State of Kansas, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Dry- Pipe-Valve Mechanisms, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in dry pipe valve mechanisms of the type employed in automatic sprinkler systems, in which air pressure is employed to normally retain water under pressure froinfiowing into and filling the sprinkler system until a fire occurs.

One of the objects of my-invention is to prtwide a mechanism which will permit of the employment of a valve casing of substantially uniform diameter throughout, of the employment of a minimum air pressure in the system. and with the provision of a maximum flow of water through the casing to the sprinkler portion of the system.

A further object of my invention is to provide a novel coupling arrangement between two valves of nearly like area by which a relatively small amount of air pressure exerted against one of the valves will hold the other valve closed against a relatively high water pressure.

Still another object of my invention is to provide novel means by which two connccted valves coupled together so as to opcrate in unison will both be firmly and tightly seated respectively against two separate valve seats.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel. valve seat slidably arranged in a casing andliaving means for preventing leakage in the joint between the casing and the valve seat.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel valve mechanism which when relieved of air pressure will open without shock or liability of damage to the mechanism.

My invention provides still further novel means for draining the dry pipe portion of the system.

Another object of my invention is to provide a dry pipe valve mechanism which is simple in construction, not liable to get out of order, which is efficient in operation, wh ch may be cheaply manufactured and eas ly and economically installed, and in. which easy access may be had to the internal mechanism thereof.

The novel features of my invention are hereinafter fully described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawing which illustrates the preferred embodiment of my in- 'vention, Figure 1 is a central vertical sectional view of my improved valve mechanism, the valves being shown in solid lines in the closed position and in dotted lines in the open position. Fig. 2 is a cross section on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Similar reference characters designate similar parts in the difierent views.

1 designates the valve casing, which is preferably of angular form, as shown in Fig. 1, and which is substantially of'uniform diameter throughout. The lower end of the casing 1 is connected to a supply pipe 2 adapted to contain water under pres sure. The upper end of the casing 1 is connected to an air pipe 3, which forms part of the dry pipe system which is provided with the usual automatic sprinklers, not shown.

Secured in the casing 1, preferably by threaded connection therewith, is a horizontally disposed valve seat 4:, against which is adapted to bear upon the upper side thereof a valve 5, which is, preferably, pivoted by a horizontal pin 6 to the inner wall of the casing l. Pivoted, preferably, centrally to the underside of the valve 5 and disposed,

preferably;obliquely thereto is a link com-' prising a rod 7, the lower end of which is pivoted to one end of an inclined lever 8, the other end of which is pivoted by a horizontal pin 9 to the inner wall of the casing 1. The lever 8 carries andis preferably pivotally connected to a valve 10 which, when the valve 5 is seated, is disposed obliquely to the valve 5 and is adapted to bear against the upper side of a valve seat 11, which is dis posed at an angle to the valve seat 4, and which, preferably, is longitudinally slidable in the casing 1. The valve seat 11 is, preferably, annular and is slidably mounted in a transverse annular flange 12 provided on the inner wall of the casing 1. Two stop rings Patented Apr. 25, 19M.

13 and 14 are mounted on the valve seat 11, to which they are preferably fitted by a screw thread connection. Thejstop rings 13 and 14 are disposed respectively above and below the flange 12 so as to limit the sliding movement in both directions of the valve seat 11.

Encircling and tightly fitting thev valve.

seat 11 below the flange 12 is a compressible gasket15, preferably of lead, which is: adapted to be forced by water pressure tightly against the lower side of the flange 12. so as to close the joint between the valve seat 11 and the casingl. \Vhen the valve 10 is closed, the water pressure will force the valve seat'11 tightly against the valve 10, while at the same time, the valve 5 will bear tightly against the seat 4. The stop rings 13 and 14 limit the longitudinal movement of the valve seat 11. In the closed position of the valve 10, the stop ring 13 is clear of the flange 12, and'the stop ring 14 is clear of the gasket 15.

The casing 1 intermediate of the valve seats 14 and 11 is provided at its lower side with ascrew-threaded opening, inwhieh is fitted an annular obliquely inclined valve seat 16, against which is adapted to bear a valve 17, which is provided on the upper side of the lever 8. The link 7 and lever 8 form a coupling mechanism connecting the valves '5 and 10, so that the movement of one in. either direction causes a movement of the other in a like direction. Preferably the pivotal connection of the valve 10 with the lever 8 is located at a less distance from the pin 9 than the pivotal connection of the link 7 with'the lever 8 from the pin 9. In the drawing, -Iig. 1, the valve 10 is shown pivoted to the lever B midway between the pin 9 and ,the pivotal connection of the link 7 with said lever. By means of this construction, the pin 9 will'bear one-half the pressure which is exerted by the water against the imdersidebf the valve 10. The other half of 'saidpressure will be transmitted by the link 7 obliquely against the valve 5, as shown in Fig. 1, whereby an air pressure on the'top of the valve 5, much less than the water pressure on the valve 10 will hold said valves closed. Thus, with my improved construction, both valve seats 4and 11 may be approximately of like carrying capacity, and both valve seats may be nearly the internal diameter ofthe casing 1. The casing 1, may, therefore, be of minimum diameter throughout, while the valve seats '11 and 4.

will have a maximum carrying capacity. By means of this construction, large and expensive valves and valve housings may be dispensed with without loss of efliciency and with a great saving in the cost of installation. s a

The casing 1 may have secured to its exterior by bolts 18 a closure plate 19 which will cover the valve seat 16 and which is provided with a drainage opening 20, as shown in Fig. 1.

In case that leakage should'occur past the valve 10, the water so leaking into the easing 1 above said valve will run from the casing through the drainage opening 20. To

-more completely drain this portion of the casing, there may be provided a discharge pipe 21 extending into the casing just above the flange 12 and provided with a shut-off valve 22. A test pipe 23 may be mounted in the casing 1 just below the flange 12. The pipe 23 may be provided with a shut-off valve 24.

25 designates a pipe which is connected to the casing 1 intermediate of the valve seats 4 and 11 and which is adapted to carry water for the purpose of operating a fire alarm system, not shown, in a manner common to constructions of this character.

Connected to the casing 1 above the seat 4 is a drain pipe 26 having a shut-off valve 27.

-Also connected to the casing 1 above the valve seat 4 is a pipe 28, through which air may be forced into the casing 1, for the purpose of providing the proper air pressure above the valve 5 for the purpose of holding the latter in the closed position. In the pipe 28 is provided a shut-off valve 29.

In one sideof the casing 1, respectively above and below the valve seat 4 are two openings 30 and 31 through which access may be had to the interior of the casing for the purpose of examination and repairs. These two openings are normally closed by a door 32 which is hinged to the casing 1 to which it may be fastened by any suitable means, as by bolts 33.

In the drawing, the valve 5 is shown as being slightly larger than the valve 10, so as to permit of an air pressure, for holding the valves 5 and 10 closed, of less than onefourth the water pressure which opposes it.

In the operation of my invention, sulficient air is forced into the casing 1 through the pipe 28 to hold the valves 5 and 10 closed against whatever water pressure may be exerted against the valve 10. In case of sufficient reduction in air pressure in the system above the valve 5, as in case of fire which actuates one of the sprinklers connected with the system, the water pressure below the valve 10 will cause said valve to open, thereby swinging the lever 8 and valve 5 through.

the intermediacy of the link 7. The parts will now assume the positions shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1, the valve 17 hearing against the valve seat 16, and the water will pass through the casing 1 into the pipe 3. \Vith the parts so positioned, they will be retained in place by gravity.

Then the purpose of the water has been effected, the water supply is shut oil from the pipe 2, following which'the valve 22 is opened, thus permitting the water to'drain out through the pipe 21 from above the valve 10. The valves 5 and 10 may now be swung to the closed position. Air is then forced into the system through the pipe 28 until the desired air pressure is obtained above the valve 5, after which the valve 29 is closed. The valve 22 is then closed and water again permitted to enter the pipe 2. The water pressure will at once force the seat 11 upwardlyv tightlyagainst the valve 10, and

the parts will again be in the operative po-.

sition.

In order that there may be noleakage from the casing 1' past the pins 6 and 9, these pins may have their outer ends respectively mounted in recesses 3a and in the inner ends of two screw plugs 36 and 37 which are fitted in threaded recesses provided therefor in the outside of the casing 1.

I do not limit my invention to the structure shown and described, as modifications, within the scope of the appended claims, may be made without departing from the spirit of my invention. a

lVhat I claim is 1. In a dry pipe valve mechanism, a casing, two valve seats therein, a lever pivoted to and in said casing intermediate of said seats, two valves adapted to rest respectively upon said seats, one of said valves being pivoted to the casing, and a link pivoted to the pivoted valve and to said lever, the other valve having a 'bearing against said lever intermediate of the pivotal point thereof and the pivotal point of connection between said lever and link. I

2. In a dry pipe valve mechanism, a. casing, two valve seats therein, a valve pivoted to said casing and adapted to bear against one of saidseats, a second valve adapted to bear against the other of said seats, and coupling mechanism pcrmanently connecting said two valves and so arranged that pressure tending to open the second namcd valve will be transmitted through said coupling mechanism against the first named valve in an oblique direction. a

3. In a dry pipe valve mechanism, a cas ing, two valve seats therein, two valves adapted to bear respectively against said seats, a lever pivoted to said casing and against which one of said valves is adapted to bear, and a link connected with said lever and the other valve and adapted to transconnecting said lever with one of said valves and arranged to transmit pressure obliquely to said valve, the other valve hav ing a bearing against said lever at a point intermediate of the pivotal connections between said lever and the casing and link.

Ina dry pipe valve mechanism, a casing, two valve sea-ts therein, a lever pivoted to said casing, two valves adapted to bear respectively against said seats, and a link pivoted to said lever and to one of said valves, the other valve having a bearing against said lever at a point intermediate of the pivotal connections of the lever with said casing and link.

6. In a dry pipe valve mechanism, a casing, two valve seats therein, a lever pivoted to said casing, two valves adapted to bear respectively against said seats, and a link pivoted to said lever and to one of said valves, the other valve having a bearing against said lever at a point nearer the pivotal connection of the lever with the casing than the pivotal connection of the link with said lever.

7. In a dry pipe valve mechanism, a casing, two valve seats therein, a lever pivoted to the casing, a valve pivoted to the casing and adapted to bear agalnst one of said seats, a second valve plvote'd to said lever,

and adapted to bear against said other seat,-

and a link pivoted to the pivoted valve and pivoted to the lever at a greater distance from the pivotal connection of the lever with the casing than the distance between the pivotal connections of the lever with the casing and the valve which ispivoted to the lever. Y i

8. In a dry pipe valve mechanism, a casing, a valve seat longitudinally slidable therein and provided with means 'for limit ;1ng lts movement in one direction, a. valve adapted to bear against said seat, and sealing means between the casing and seat.

9. ,In a dry pipe valve mechanism, a casing, a valve seat slidable therein and provided with means for limiting its movement in either direction, and a valve adapted to bear against said seat.

10. In a dry pipe valve mechanism, a cas ing,-a valve seat slidable therein, and a valve against which said seat is adapted to be held by internal fluid pressure.

11. In a dry pipe valve mechanism, a casing, a valve seat slidable therein, sealing means between the seatand casing, and a valve against which said seat is adapted to be, held by internal fluid pressure.

12. In a drypipe valve mechanism, :1 casing, a valve seat slidable therein, and a compressible gasket encircling the valve scat and arranged to seal the joint between the seat and casing.

13. In a dry pipe valve mechanism, a casing,a valve casing slidable. therein having mcans lor limiting its movement in either direction, and a compressible gasketfen ei-reling the seat and jarrangedto seal the joint between the seat and casing;

H. .In. aidry pip'e valve mechanism, a eas ing. two valve seats therein, one seat being slidable in the casing. two valves adapted to respeetivelv bearagainst said seats, the slidable seat being arranged to be held by lluid pressure against its valve, and-"coupling mechanism connecting the valves for communicating movement from one to the other. e 3

15., In a dry pipe" valve niechanisn'i, a castwo valve. seats therein, one seat being ing.

slidable and having means for limiting its. valves fadapted to respectively bear against said seats. the slidableseat being arranged to beheld by iluid pressure against its valve, sealnioveinent inflono direction,- two ing nieans' between the slidable valve seatand the casing. and coupling mechanism connecting the valves.

16. In a dry pipe'valve mechanism, a casing. two valve seats thereil'none seat being slidable, sealing IDOzlDS COiilPllSllig a compressible. gasket encircling the SllClfllJlGSGilb nd adapted to close the joint between the casing and the slid-able seat, two valves adapted to respectively bear against said seats, the slidableseat being arranged to be held byi fluid pressure against its valve, and

' coupling mechanism connectingthe valves.

ahle, a

agains [:1 7. In a dry pipe valve mechanism, 'acas ing. two valve seats therein, one being slidable, :sealing, means between the shdable -valve seat and the casing, a lever pivoted to the. casing, two valves adapted respectively to bear against, said seat,one valve being adapted to bear against said lever, said t-being arranged to be held by slidablesea lhud. pressureagainst its valve, and a link connecting ritlltlllCVil and one oi said valves.

lo, ln aldry pipe valve mechanism, a caslll, l\ .seats' therein, one being slidable, l\\'o valves adapted to bear against said seats res a-ciivelv..a lever pivoted to said casing and carrying one ofsaid valves, and a link pivoted to the lever and to' said other valve. l9. In.a .dr v i 'ie va'lve mechanism, a casing, two valve seats there-in, one being slid lever pivoted to said casing, a valve carriel by said lever andadapted to bear tthe slidable seat, said seat'being arranged to be held by yielding pressure against said valve, :1 link pivoted to said lever, and a second valve opei'atively connected with said link and adapted to bear against the other valve seat. l

20. In a dry pipevalve mechanism, a casing,'two valve seats therein, one being slidable, two valves adapted to respectively bear against said seats, the slidahle seat being arranged to be held by yielding pressure against its valve, and coupling mechanism connecting said valve.

21. '111 a dry pipe valve mechanism, a casing, two 'alve seats therein, a third valve seat in the wall ofthe casing and leading to the exterior thereof and intermediate of said two seats, three valves adapted to bear respectively against said seats, and coupling mechanism permanently connecting said valves and arranged so that one valve moves against said third seat when the other two valves move to the open position.

22. In a dry pipe valve mechanism, a casing having a discharge opening leading to the 'iitl'lIOSPliGi'Q, two valve seats in said casing 'at opposite sides respectively of saidopensaid seats, one of said valves being carried by said lever, a link connected to said lever and to the other valve. and means operated said lever for closing said opening when the. two valves move to the open position.

24. In a dry pipe valve-mechanism, a. casing having an opening discharging to the atmosphere, two valve seats in said casing at opposite sides respectively of said opening, two valves adapted respectively to bear against said seats, a lever pivoted to said casing and carrying one of said valves, a

link connecting the other valve and said lever, and a third valve carried by said lever and adapted to be moved by said lever to close said opening when the other two valves are moved to the open position.

'25. In a dry pipe valve mechanism, a casing having an opening leading to the atmosphere, a. valve seat in said casing, a lever pivoted to said casing, and two valves pivoted one to the other carried by said lever, one valve being adapted to bear against said seat and the other valve being adapted to close said opening, the arrangement providing for one valve to close when the other opens.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

.IVILLIAM N. BALLARD. 

